Kolkata | Jan 16, 2026

Authorities at ISKCON Mayapur have issued a stern warning to devotees and tourists after several fraudulent websites and social media channels were discovered offering fake accommodation bookings at its facilities. The organization has filed a formal FIR to curb such activities and is working with law enforcement and cybercrime agencies to investigate the matter.

The fraudulent platforms reportedly claimed to provide rooms in popular ISKCON Mayapur accommodations, including Prabhupad Village, Gada Bhavan, Conch Bhavan, and Gita Bhavan. Many of these sites appear professional, often offering discounts, special benefits, or urgent booking assurances, only to vanish after receiving full payments from unsuspecting devotees.

“Several visitors, including families with elderly parents and children, have reached Mayapur expecting confirmed bookings, only to discover they had been cheated,” said Radharamn Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata. He emphasised that such scams exploit the faith and trust of devotees, particularly during peak festival periods when demand for accommodation surges.

To prevent further incidents, ISKCON reiterated that https://www.visitmayapur.com/ is the only official and authorised portal for booking rooms in Mayapur. Any reservations made through other websites, agents, or phone calls should be considered unsafe and potentially fraudulent.

Das advised visitors to be cautious of urgent offers, steep discounts, or unverified websites, and to always check the official URL before making payments. “Until these fraudsters are apprehended, public awareness remains the strongest protection,” he said.

A senior police officer confirmed that the FIR has been registered and that the investigation is being conducted as a priority matter, highlighting the serious criminal nature of exploiting devotees for monetary gain.

With the festive season underway in Mayapur, ISKCON has urged devotees to book directly through the official portaland avoid messaging-based bookings or third-party agents. The organization stressed that vigilance and verification are essential to safeguard faith, money, and travel plans.

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